Friday 16 July 2010

6:35 Pontefract

A better day's racing with a number of meetings.

An auction race over 6f, where a low draw can be advantageous.

Easy Ticket will not be much of a price but looks difficult to beat after a strong performance on debut when second to Wootton Bassett who is going for the Gimcrack (Group 2) after a good win last evening at Doncaster. Brown has done well with his two-year-olds and John Fretwell always finds a decent prospect or two each season. This chestnut colt by Kheleyf will probably do front-running tactics and it will be a good horse that beats him.

The main opposition comes from Richard Fahey's El Viento, who ran in a fair maiden at Beverley on debut. This £20,000 buy is an attractive, sturdy colt by Compton Place and he definitely has enough ability to win a race. Always slightly struggling to go the pace in a fast run race that day he made good progress in the final furlong and looks a determined type. El Viento should appreciate this stiff climb to the finish and is quite well drawn. It would be a disadvantage if he was slow to find his stride as the favourite is likely to make the running and it would be no easy task to make up a huge amount of ground against a talented individual. Certainly a decent each way bet although it may be a stiff task to beat the favourite, however that has to run its race.

Of the rest, Sleights Boy may improve for the McInnes stable. Their two-year-olds often come on for the run and at a price could have place chances. Of the debutantes Fieldgunner Kirkup comes from a very lucky owner and although David Barron has modest win rate with his runners on their first start it wouldn't be beyond the realms to see a fair run from this breeze-up purchase.

Tips:
2:00 Newbury - Eshoog 1PTEW (13/2) 4th

Comment: 'Looked to be going well with the lead but faded in the last 100y to miss out on a place. A capable two-year-old who may be better suited by a quicker surface and easy 6f. This may turn out to be a fair race.'

2:35 Newbury - Waiter's Dream 1PTWIN (3/1) 1st

Comment: 'A good-looking colt and an easy winner from Brian Meehan's yard which seems to be coming into form. A talented horse who will be contesting pattern races soon.'

Other races:
2:00 Newbury
2:30 Haydock
2:35 Newbury
2:45 Nottingham
3:10 Newbury
3:20 Nottingham
6:20 Newmarket